Countries / Asia-Pacific

Pakistan

Tax stamps on excise goodsChecked 17 Oct 2026
SystemFBR Track and Trace System (tax); DRAP Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System (medicines)
Code on the productTax stamps and unique IDs at production; GS1 DataMatrix with serial number on medicines
AggregationAt production for FBR goods; check DRAP technical rules for medicines.
First stepHold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
Supplier checklist (PDF)

Overview

Two systems. The tax authority FBR marks tobacco, sugar, fertiliser and cement at the production line, with tiles added in 2024; beverages are planned, with the schedule delayed. Since 9 October 2026 the drug regulator DRAP requires a 2D DataMatrix with a serial number on every locally made or imported medicine, human and veterinary.

If you supply this market

  1. Hold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
  2. Order stamps from the authority for each batch: FBR Track and Trace System.
  3. Apply a stamp to every unit before release and activate it in the system.
  4. Keep stock and reports in line: unstamped goods can be seized.

Typical steps for this type of regime. The exact rules are in the sources. Choosing equipment: printing methods.

Timeline

Already in force

  • 2021FBR: tobacco, sugar, fertiliser, cement
  • 2024FBR: tiles sector (SRO 308(I)/2024)
  • 9 Oct 2026DRAP: 2D DataMatrix and serialization on all new medicine batches

What the code looks like

GS1 DataMatrix on the medicine pack

GS1 DataMatrix on the medicine pack

(01) 09506000134352
GTIN: the product number
(17) 271231
Expiry date, YYMMDD
(10) AB1234
Batch
(21) 7G4K9P2XQ5
Serial number, unique to this pack

The same data is printed next to the code as text (GTIN, SN, LOT, EXP). Illustration built on the GS1 example GTIN; the code does not identify any product.

How this code is built →
TAX STAMPSN 0001234567

Tax stamp on each unit

Physical stamp
Applied to every pack or bottle, usually by the manufacturer or importer
Serial number + 2D code
Issued by the tax authority; the manufacturer applies it
Check
Inspectors and often consumers scan it to confirm the duty was paid

The stamp is ordered from the authority and activated when it is applied. Schematic drawing.

How this code is built →

Frequently asked questions

Is product marking mandatory in Pakistan?

Only excise goods carry tax stamps: FBR Track and Trace System. Other consumer goods are not marked.

What is already in force?

2021: FBR: tobacco, sugar, fertiliser, cement; 2024: FBR: tiles sector (SRO 308(I)/2024); 9 Oct 2026: DRAP: 2D DataMatrix and serialization on all new medicine batches.

What code goes on the product?

Tax stamps and unique IDs at production; GS1 DataMatrix with serial number on medicines.

Is aggregation required?

At production for FBR goods; check DRAP technical rules for medicines.

What changes next?

No announced changes found yet.

Where can I check the rules?

Start with ARY News: DRAP makes 2D barcodes mandatory. All sources are listed at the end of this page.

Sources

Checked 17 Oct 2026. Seen something outdated? Send a correction.